AP Calculus AB

Advanced Placement Calculus AB covering limits, derivatives, and integrals.

Advanced Topics

Techniques of Differentiation

Mastering the Rules

Calculus gives us several shortcut rules for finding derivatives faster than using the definition every time.

Power Rule

For any real number \( n \):

\[ \frac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1} \]

Product Rule

For two functions \( f(x) \) and \( g(x) \):

\[ (fg)' = f'g + fg' \]

Chain Rule

For composite functions \( f(g(x)) \):

\[ \frac{d}{dx}f(g(x)) = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) \]

Putting It All Together

Many problems require combining these rules. Practice recognizing which rule to use and when!

Key Formula

\[f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}\]

Examples

  • Given \( f(x) = x^3 \sin(x) \), use the product rule to find the derivative.

  • For \( h(x) = (2x + 1)^5 \), apply the chain rule.

In a Nutshell

Learn the essential rules for finding derivatives quickly and efficiently.

Key Terms

Product Rule
A formula for finding the derivative of the product of two functions.
Chain Rule
A rule for differentiating composite functions.